Insecticidal phosphoric acid esters

ABSTRACT

WHEREIN X represents oxygen or sulphur, R1 and R2 each independently represent a lower alkyl radical, R3 represents hydrogen, an alkoxycarbonyl or halogenemethyl radical, R4 represents a lower alkoxy, alkylthio or dialkylamino radical and R5 represents a lower alkoxy radical, or R4 represents a lower alkylthio radical and R5 represents a dialkylamino radical, are disclosed. This is a division of application Ser. No. 69,893, filed on Sept. 4, 1970 now U.S. Pat. No. 3,733,376. Insecticidal phosphoric acid esters of the formula

lJnited States Patent [191 Kristiansen et al.

[4 1 Dec. 24, 1974 INSECTICIDAL PHOSPHORIC ACID ESTERS [75] Inventors: Odd Kristiansen; Kurt Gubler, both of Riehen/BS, Switzerland [73] Assignee: Ciba-Geigy Corporation, Ardsley,

221 Filed: Apr.ll, 1973 21 Appl. No.: 350,293

Related US. Application Data [62] Division of Ser. No. 69,893, Sept. 4, 1970, Pat. No.

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Sept. 10, 1969 Switzerland l375l/69 [52] US. Cl. 424/212, 424/211 [51] Int. Cl A01n 9/36 [58] Field of Search 424/212, 211

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,229,000 l/l966 Lorenz et al 260/943 3,278,648 10/1966 Turner et al 260/941 3,369,062 2/1968 Ward 260/943 3,733,376 5/1973 Kristiansen et al. 260/941 Primary Examiner-Albert T. Meyers Assistant Examiner Leonard Schenkman Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Frederick H. Rabin [57] ABSTRACT Insecticidal phosphoric acid esters of the formula 14 Claims, No Drawings INSECTICIDAL PHOSPHORIC ACID ESTERS This is a division of application Ser. No. 69,893, filed on Sept. 4, 1970 now US. Pat. No. 3,733,376.

DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSURE The present invention concerns new phosphoric acid esters, process for the production thereof as well as pesticidal compositions containing these new phosphoric acid esters as active ingredients and method for the control of pests using the new active substances or compositions containing them.

The new phosphoric acid esters correspond to the Formula I In this formula:

X represents oxygen or sulphur;

R and R each independently represent a lower alkyl radical;

R represents hydrogen, an alkoxycarbonyl or halogenomethyl radical;

R, represents a lower alkoxy, alkylthio or dialkylamino radical and R represents a lower alkoxy radical; or

R represents a lower alkylthio radical and R represents a dialkylamino radical.

In Formula I, by lower alkyl radicals R and R and in R R and R are meant radicals having I to 5 carbon atoms such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, nbutyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl or pentyl. The radicals R and R may be identical or different radicals. Such lower alkyl radicals form the alkyl moiety of alkoxy and alkylthio radicals; they also form the alkyl substituents of a dialkylamino group and the alkyl moiety in alkoxycarbonyl raadicals R A halogeno-methyl radical R is in particular the trifluoromethyl radical.

The new phosphoric acid esters of Formula I are produced according to the invention by reacting a compound of the Formula II Rs 4 s wherein Me represents an alkali metal atom, with a phosphoric acid halide of the Formula III R20 (III) wherein Hal represents chlorine or bromine. In the formulas II and III, the symbols R, to R and X have the meanings given for Formula I. Preferably, the reactions are performed in the presence of solvents or diluents inert towards the reaction components. For this purpose aromatic hydrocarbons and halogenated hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylenes and chlorobenzene have proved suitable; furthermore aliphatic hydrocarbons, ethers, etc. are also suitable. The reaction temperatures are between 0 and 100C, preferably between 0 and 20C.

The starting materials of Formula II are known compounds or can be produced by known methods by the condensation of the appropriate esters in the presence of condensation agents. Suitable as ester components are, on the one hand, alkoxyacetic acid esters, alkylthio-acetic acid esters, alkylthioacetic acid amides, and on the other hand formic acid esters, halogenomethyl-acetic acid ester, and oxalic acid esters; as condensation agents the alkali alkanolates corresponding to the esters as well as alkali metal hydrides are employed.

The new phosphoric acid esters of Formula I have excellent insecticidal and good acaricidal properties. Due to their good effect as stomach poison and contact poison, they are suitable for the control of biting and sucking insects in the protection of plants and stored goods. Further-more, their favorable toxicity for warm blooded animals permits their use in veterinary medicine and hygiene. The DL for rats per os of the new active substances of Formula I is up to 500 mg/kg of body weight; whereas the DL of known phosphoric acid esters which are commmercially available, such as firstly 0,0-dimethyl 0-( l-methyl-2-chloro-2-diethylcarbamyl-vinyl) phosphate [cf Belgian patent No. 552,234, trade name Phosphamidon] and secondly 0,0-dimethyl 0-( l -methyl-2'-methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate [of US. Pat. No. 2,685,552 trade name Phosdrin], for rats per os is. below 50 mg/kg of body weight. In addition, the action of the active substances according to the invention starts more rapidly and continues longer than is the case by the above-mentioned known phosphoric acid esters.

Furthermore, it has been found that these active substances of the Formula I have in particular an excellent, long-lasting effect against insects of the families Muscidae, Stomoxidae and Culicidae, e.g., against the polyvalent-resistant and normally sensitive house flies (Musca domestica), stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans) and mosquitoes (e.g., Aedes Aegypti, Culex fatigans, Anophenles stephensi); against insects of the families Curculinidae, Bruchididae, Dermestidae, Tenebrionidae and Chrysomelidae, e.g., granary weevils (Sitophilus granarius), bean beetles (Bruchidus obtectus), larder beetles (Dermestes vulpinus), mealworms (Tenebrio molitor), Colorado potato beetles (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) and their larval stages; against insects of the family Pyralididae, e.g., Mediterranean flour moths (Ephestia kuhniella), of the family Blattidae, e.g., cockroaches (Phyllodromia germanical, Periplaneta americana, Blatta orientalis), of the family Aphididae, e.g., bean aphids (Aphis fabae), of the family Pseudococcidae, e.g., citrus mealybugs (Planococcus cilri) and of the family Locustidae, e.g. migratory locusts (Locusta migratoria).

In addition, the active substances of the Formula I according to the invention have a good effect against the larval and adult stages pf arachnids, e.g., of the families Acarinae, Ixodidae, Arachnidae and Argasidae.

In admixture with synergists and auxiliaries having a similar action such as dibutyl succinate, piperonyl butoxide, olive oil, and peanut oil, etc., the range of action of the said active substances can be broadened and in particular the insecticidal action can be improved. Likewise, the insecticidal action can be substantially broadened and adjusted to the prevailing conditions by the addition of other insecticides such as, for example, phosphoric, phosphonic, thioand dithiophosphoric acid esters and amides, halogenated hydrocarbons and analogs of l,l-p,p-dichlorophenyl-2,2,2- trichloroethane as well as pyrethrines and synergists thereof, acaricidally active substances such as halogenobenzilic acid esters such as 4',4- dichlorobenzilic acid esters and 4',4'-dibromobenzilic acid esters, insecticidal and acacicidal carbamates, for example oxime carbamates, aryl carbamates and carbamates of heterocyclic compounds which are enolizable. Insecticidal Action:

The insecticidal action of the new phosphoric acid esters is illustrated by the following tests:

1. Effect as insecticidal contact poison a. Petri dishes are coated with acetone solutions of the active substances so that they are covered with 0.15 mg and 1.5 mg of active substance per square meter. After one hour the following test animals are placed in the dishes:

5 cent) of the animals are in dorsal position.

b. mg ofa 1 percent dust are evenly distributed in Petri dishes. Cockroaches (Phyllodromia germanica and Periplaneta americana) are then placed in the dishes and kept under normal conditions at 22-24C.

In Table 2 the time is given after which all of the animals are in dorsal position.

c. Granary weevils are sprayed from a distance of 10 cm with 2 cubic centimeters of a 1 percent solution of the active substance in acetone. Immediately after application the animals are transferred to clean Petri dishes and kept at 22C. In Table 3 the time is given after which all (100 percent) of the animals are in dorsal position.

Table 1 Active Substance 1007: of the animals in dorsal position after it minutes house flies mosquitoes 1.5 mg/m-' 0.15 mg/m 0.l5 mg/m 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2-methoxy-2-methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphorothioate I0 ll) 0,0-dimethyl O-(2-methoxy-2-methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate 8' 22 4' 0,0-diethyl 0-(2-methoxy-2-methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate 30 60' 2 0,0-dimethyl 0-( l-ethoxycarbonyl-Z-methoxy-Z-methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate 60' 0.0-diethyl 0-( l-ethoxycarbonyl-2-methoxy-2-methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate 60 60 10' 0,0-diethyl (H l-trifluoromethyl-Z-methoxy-Z-methoxycarbonyl-vinyl)-phosphate I0 60 It) 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2-methylthio-2-N,N-dimethylcarbamylvinyl) phosphate 100' I8 0,0-diethyl 0-(2-methylthio-2-N,N-dimethylcarbamylvinyl) phosphate 40 23' 0.0-dimethyl 0-(2-ethylthio-2-N,N-dimethylcarbamylvinyl) phosphate 25 I2 0,0-dimethyl 0-(Z-isopropylthio-2-N,N-dimethylcarbamyl-vinyl) phosphate 27' 33' 6 0,0-dimethyl O-(l-trit'luoromethyl'2-methylthio-2- methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate l0 0,0-diethyl 0-(2-methylthio-2-N,N-dimethylcarbamyl-vinyl) phosphorothioate 20' 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2-ethylthio-2-N,N-dimethylcarbamyl-vinyl) phosphorothioate l9 0,0-diethyl 0-(2-isopropylthio-2-N,N-dimethylcarbamylvinyl) phosphorothioate l8 0,0-diethyl 0-(2-isopropylthio-2-N,N-dimethylcarbamylvinyl) phosphate 6' 0,0-dimethyl 0-( l methyl-2-chloro-2-N,N-diethylcarbamylvinyl) phosphate (Phosphamidon, known from Belgian patent No. 552,284) 2 h 24 h 30' Table 2 Active Substance 100% of the animals in dorsal position after x minutes cockroaches 0.0-dimethyl 0-(2-methoxy2-methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphorothioate l7 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2-methoxy-2-methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate l7 0,0-diethyl 0-(2-methoxy-Z-methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate 3| 0,0-dimethyl O-(2-ethylthio-2-N,N-dimethylcarbamyl-vinyl) phosphorothioate 0,0-dimethyl 0-( I methyl-2-chloro-2-N,N-diethylcarbamyl-vinyl) phosphate 6| I (see Table l) Table 3 Active Substance 100% of the animals in dorsal position after it minutes or hours granary weevils 2. Long-lasting insecticidal effect a. Petri dishes which have been coated with 0.15 mg and 1.5 mg of active substance per square meter are allowed to stand for 8 days at 24C. Then polyvalent-resistant house flies (Musca domestica) and granary weevils (Sitophilus granaria) are meter to wooden boards. The treated boards are suspended in stables for several days. A control is made after 1 and 8 days by taking the boards into the laboratory and placing stable fly maggots (Stomoxys calcitrans) and mosquitoes (normally sensitive Aedes aegypti) on them.

placed on the coatings. b. The active substances are applied from an aqueous suspension in a concentration of 1 g per square In the following Tables 4 and 5, the time is given in minutes and in hours after which the animals (I00 percent) are in dorsal position.

Table 4 Active Substance 100% of the animals in dorsal position after X minutes or hours flies weevils 1.5 mg/m 0.15 mg/m 0,0-dimethyl 0-(Z-methoxy-2-ethoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphorothioate I2 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2-methoxy-methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate 60 10 0,0-diethyl 0-(2-methoxy-2-methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate 30 30 0,0-dimethyl 0-(1-ethoxycarbonyl-2-methoxy-Z-methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate 5 h 0,0 diethyl 0-( l-ethoxycarbonyl'2-methoxy-2-methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate 60 0,0-diethyl 0-( l-trifluoromethyl-2 methoxy-2-methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate 43' 60' 0,0-dimethyl 0'( l-trifluoromcthyl-2-methylthio-Z-methoxycarbonylvinyl) phosphate 100' 0,0-dimethyl O-(Z-methylthio-Z-N,Ndimethylcarbamyl-vinyl) phosphorothioate 3 h 0,0dimethyl 0(Z-methylthio-Z-N,N-dimethylcarbamyl'vinyl) phosphate 40' 5 h 0,0-diethyl 0-(Z-methylthio-LN,N-dimethylcarbamyl-vinyl) phosphate 96' 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2-ethylthio-2-N.N-dimethylcarbamyl-vinyl) phosphorothioate 5 h 0,0-dimethyl O-(Z-ethylthio-Z-N,N-dimethylcarbamyl-vinyl) phosphate 30' 2 h 0.0-dimethyl 0-(2-isopropylthio-2-N,N-dimethylcarbamyl-vinyl) phosphate 90 0.0-diethyl 0-(2-isopropylthio-2-N,N-dimethylcarbamyl-vinyl) phosphate 92 0,0-dimethyl O-( l -methyl-2-chloro-2-N,N-diethylcarbamyl-vinyl) phosphate (see Table l) 3 h g h Table 5 of the animals in dorsal position after x minutes or hours Active Substance stable flies mosquitoes after after after after 1 day 8 days 1 day 8 days 0,0-dimethyl 0-(Z-methoxy-Z-methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphorothioate 17 4O 10' 16 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2-methoxy-Z-methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate 25' 35' 90' 90' 0,0-diethyl 0-( l-trifluoromethyl-Z-methoxy-Z- methoxycarbonylwinyl) phosphate 14' 30 45' 2 h Table 5 Continued l71 of the animals in dorsal position after x minutes or hours Active Substance stable flies mosquitoes after after after after 1 day 8 days 1 day 8 days 0,0-diethyl 0-(2-isopropylthio-2-N,N-dimethylcarbamyl-vinyl) phosphorothioate 30' 30 30' 30' 0,0-dimetliyl O-(2-n-propylthio-2-N.N-diethylcarbamyl-vinyl) phosphorothioate 30 43 45 54 0,0-dimethyl O-(2methoxy-2-methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate 32' 30 0.0-dimethyl 0-( l-ethoxycarbonyl-2-methoxy-2- methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphorothioate 73 82 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2-isopropylthio-2-N,N-dimethylcarbamyl-vinyl) phosphate 60 0,0-diehtyl 0-(Z-isopropylthio-Z-N,N-dimethylcarbamyl-vinyl) phosphate 45 0,0-dimethyl 0-(l-methyl-2-chloro-2-N,N-diethylcarbamyl-vinyl) phosphate (seeTable 1) 4h 5h 5h 5h 3. Effect as insecticidal stomach poison EXAMPLE 2 Table 6 a. 32.2 g of ethanol (anhydrous) are added dropwise to 8 g of sodium, emulsified in l ml of toluene (anhydrous), and stirred for one hour at 95. Then the suspension is cooled to 05 and a mixture of 52.6 g of 2-ethylthio-N,N-dimethylacetamide and 26.5 g of formic acid ethyl ester in 50 ml of ether (anhydrous) is slowly added dropwise. After stir- Active Substance l0071 of the animals in dorsal position after X minutes or hours potato beetle larvae 0,0-dimethyl 0(2-methoxy-2-methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate 0.0-diethyl 0-(2-methoxy-2-methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate 0,0-dimethyl 0-( l-ethoxycarb0nyl-2-methoxy-Z-methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate 0.0-diethyl O-( l-ethoxycarbonyl)-2-methoxy-2-methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate 0.0-diethyl 0-( l-trifluorornethyl-2-methoxy-2-methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate 0,0-dimethyl O-(Z-methylthio-2-N.N-dimethylcarbamyl-vinyl) phosphorothioate 0.0-dimethyl O-(Z-methylthio-2-N.N-dimethylcarbamyl-vinyl) phosphate 0,0-diethyl 0-(2-methylthio-2-N,N-dimethylcarbamyl-vinyl) phosphate 0,0-dimethyl O-(methylthio-Z-N,N-dimethylcarbamyl-vinyl) Phosphate 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2-ethylthio-2-N.N-dimethylcarbamyl-vinyl) phosphate 0,0-diethyl 0-(2isopropylthio-2-N,N-dimethylcarbamyl-vinyl) phosphate 0,0-dimcthyl O-(Z-isopropylthio-Z-N,N-dimethylcarbamyl-vinyl) phosphate The following examples illustrate the production of the new phosphoric acid esters of Formula I. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the temperatures are given in degrees Centigrade.

EXAMPLE 1 ring for 16 hours at O-5, the sodium salt which precipitates is removed by filtration, washed with 300 ml of ether (anhydrous) and dried in vacuum. To a suspension of 9.9 g of this sodium salt in 100 ml of benzene (anhydrous) there is added dropwise 5 a solution of 8 g of 0,0-dimethyl O-chlorophos- A mixture of 26.4 g of ethoxyacetic acid ethyl ester phocothioate in 25 ml of benzene (anhydrous). and 14.8 g of formic acid ethyl ester is slowly added The reaction mixture is stirred for 24 hours at room dropwise to a suspension of 13.6 g of sodium ethylate temperature. After treating with active charcoal, in 300 ml of benzene (anhydrous). The mixture is the filtrate is concentrated by evaporation in vacstirred for 7 hours at room temperature. Then 29 g of uum. The resultant 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2-ethylthio-2- 0,0-dimethyl O-chlorophosphate, dissolved in 25 ml of -d m t yl a amy inyl) ph phoro hioate is benzene (anhydrous), are added dropwise. The reac- P fie y chr matography on a Column of Silica tion mixture is stirred for 24 hours at room temperature g and has a refraction index "n 15243- and then shaken out with 200 ml of water. The organic phase is separated, dried and freed of solvent. The crude product is distilled in vacuum. The 0,0-dimethyl Analysis. 0-(2-ethoxy-2-ethoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate has a calculated: C36.1 H 6.l N 4.7 P 9.7 s 21.4 point of o 4o/ 5 mm. found: C 36.0 H 6.0 N 4.6 P I01 5 2| .0

EXAMPLE 3 Analysis gi figl 283 s 2:; a. Following the procedure described in German patent No. 708,5l3, 6.9 g of sodium are dissolved in 400 ml of isopropanol and then transferred into an autoclave which has been flushed with nitrogen. Carbon monoxide is pressed on at 70 and bar until no more loss of pressure can be registered. Then 39.6 g of methoxyacetic acid ethyl ester is introduced into the autoclave and the carbon monoxide pressure is kept at bar for 7 hours at 70. After cooling, the mixture is filtered and the filtrate is concentrated by evaporation, whereby the enolic sodium salt which forms separates.

b. The sodium salt which is obtained is suspended in 500 ml of benzene (anhydrous) and cooled in an ice bath to 0 6. Then 43.35 g of 0,0-dimethyl O- chlorophosphate, dissolved in ml of benzene. are added dropwise. The reaction mixture is stirred for 24 hours at room temperature and then shaken out twice with 150 ml of water. The organic phase is separated, dried and freed from solvent. The crude product is distilled in vacuum. The resultant 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2-methoxy-2-isopropoxycarbonylvinyl) phosphate boils at 97/0.0l mm.

EXAMPLE 4 A mixture of 17.7 g of methoxyacetic acid ethyl ester and 21.9 g of oxalic acid diethyl ester is added dropwise at 0-6 to a suspension of 6 g of sodium hydride (-60 percent in mineral oil) in 200 ml of benzene (anhydrous). The mixture is then stirred for 2 hours at Compounds 0-6, 16 hours at room temperature, and 1 hour at 4045. Then 21.6 g of 0,0-dimethyl 0- chlorophosphate, dissolved in 25 ml of benzene (anhydrous) are added dropwise at O-6. The reaction mix ture is stirred for 24 hours at room temperature and then shaken out with ml of water. The organic phase is separated, dried and concentrated by evaporation. The crude product is distilled in vacuum. The 0,0- dimethyl 0-( l ,2-bis-ethoxy-carbonyl )-2-methoxyvinyl) phosphate obtained boils at l36/0.005 mm.

EXAMPLE 5 The solution of the enolic sodium salt obtained from Example 3a), above, can be reacted directly, without previous evaporation, with the 0,0-dimethyl O- chlorophosphate. While cooling with an ice bath, 43.35 g of 0,0-dimethyl O-chlorophosphate are added dropwise to the aforesaid salt solution. The reaction mixture is stirred for 24 hours at room temperature and then evaporated in vacuum. The residue is extracted with 500 ml of ether and the solution obtained is shaken out with ml of water. The organic phase is separated, dried and freed of solvent. After distillation in vacuum, 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2-methoxy-2-isopropoxycarbonylvinyl) phosphate is obtained.

The following table contains other examples of phosphates of Formula I which have been prepared by the methods described in the previous examples:

physical data 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2-methoxy-2-methoxycarbonylvinyl) phosphate 0.0-dimethyl 0 (2-methoxy-2-ethoxycarbonylvinyl) phosphate b.p. ss-90/0.003 Torr 0,0-diethyl 0-(2-methoxy-2-methoxycarbonylvinyl) phosphate 0.0-dimethyl O-(2methoxy-2-n-propoxycarbonylvinyl) phosphate 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2 propoxy-2-methoxycarbonylvinyl) phosphate 0.0-dimethyl (HZ-isopropoxy-Z-methoxycarbonylvinyl) phosphate carbonylvinyl) phosphate b.p. l04-l05/0,02 Torr 0,0-diethyl O-(Z-ethoxy-Z-ethoxycarbonylvinyl) phosphate 0.0-dimethyl 0-(1.2-dimethoxycarbonyl-2- methoxy-vinyl) phosphate b.p. l38-l 39/0,0 l 5 Torr 0.0-diethyl 0'(2-n propoxy 2-methoxycarbonylvinyl) phosphate 0,0-dimethyl O-( Lethoxycarbonyl-Z- methoxy-Z-methoxycarbonylvinyl) phosphate 0.0-dimethyl (H l-ethoxycarbonyl-Z- methoxy-Lisopropoxycarbonylvinyl) phosphate 0,0'diethyI 0-( l-ethoxycarbonyl-2-methoxy-2-methoxycarbonylvinyl) phosphate b.p. 134-l 37/0,0l Torr Compounds physical data 0,0-diethyl (H l ,Z-diethoxycarbonyl-Z- methoxyvinyl) phosphate b.p. l33-l 37/0,005 Torr 0,0-dimethyl 0-( Hrifluormethyl-Z methoxy-2'methoxycarbonylvinyI) phosphate b.p. lO2-l06/0.5 Torr 0,0-dimethyl 0-( l-trifluormethyl-Z- methoxy-Z-ethoxycarbonylvinyl) phosb.p. 8388/0,05 Torr methoxy-Z-isopropoxycarbonylvinyl) phosphate b.p. 8889l0,06 Torr 0.0-diethyl 0-( l-trifluormethyl-Z- methoxy-2-methoxycarbonylvinyl) phosphate The concentration of active substance in these preparations is from 0.01 to 80 percent by weight. In the case of concentration type formulations according to this invention the amount of active substance in these compositions is generally 0.5 to 80 percent by weight. The 5 concentration of active substance in application type formulations usually ranges from 0.1 to 1.5 percent, preferably from 0.01 to 0.5 percent by weight. Other biocidally active substances or agents can be admixed with the agents according to the invention. Thus, in ad- Dust The following ingredients are used to produce a) a and b) a 2% dust: a) 5 parts of 0,0dimethyl O-(Z-methoxy-Z-ethoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate, 95 parts of talcum, b) 2 parts of 0,0-dimethyl O-(Z-methoxy-Z-methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphorothioate. l part of highly dispersed silicic acid, 97 parts of talcum.

The active substances are mixed and ground with the carriers. The dusts obtained are used, for example, for the control of cockroaches, etc. in buildings, but also in the protection of plants.

Granulate The following ingredients are used to produce a 5% granulate:

5 parts of 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2-ethylthio-2-N,N-

dimethyl carbamyl-vinyl) phosphorothioate, part of epichlorohydrin,

0.25 part of cetyl polyglycol ether,

350 parts of polyethylene glycol (Carbowax), 91 parts of kaolin (granular size 0.3 0.8 mm).

The active ingredient is mixed with epichlorohydrin and dissolved with 6 parts of acetone, then the polyethylene glycol and cetyl polyglycol ether are added. The resulting solution is sprayed onto kaolin and then the acetone is evaporated in vacuum. The granulate obtained is suitable for the protection of plants and stored goods.

Wettable powder To produce a a) 40%, b) 50%, c) 25% and d) 10% wettable powder, the following components are used:

a) 40 parts of 0,0-dimethyl O-(Z-ethoxy-Z-ethoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate,

5 parts of sodium lignin sulphonate, 65 1 part of sodium dibutyl-naphthalene sulphonate, 54 parts of silicic acid, b) 50 parts of 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2-methoxy-2-mcthoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphorothioate, 5 parts of alkyl aryl sulphonate (Tinovetine B") Continued Wettable powder 10 parts of calcium lignin sulphonate,

l part of Champagne chalk/hydroxyethyl cellulose cellulose mixture (lzl 20 parts of silicic acid, 14 parts of kaolin,

c) 25 parts of 0,0-dimethyl 0'(2-ethylthi0-2-N,N-

dimethylcarbamyl-vinyl) phosphorothioate, 5 parts of the sodium salt of oleylmethyl tauride, 2.5 parts of naphthalene sulphonic acid/ formaldehyde Condensation product, 0.5 part of carboxymethyl cellulose,

5 parts of neutral potassium aluminium silicate. 62 parts of kaolin, d) 10 parts of 0,0din1ethyl 0-(2-ethoxy2-ethoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate, 3 parts of mixture of sodium salts of saturated fatty alcohol sulphates, 5 parts of naphthalene sulphonic acid/ formaldehyde condensation product, 82 parts of kaolin.

The active substances are intemately mixed in suit able mixers with the additives and ground on appropriate mills and rollers. Wettable powders are obtained which may be diluted with water to suspensions of any desired concentration. Such suspensions are chiefly used in plant protection for the control of biting and sucking insects.

Spray To produce a) a 5% and b) a 2% spray, the following components are used:

a) 5 parts of 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2-ethoxy-2-ethoxy)- carbonylvinyl) phosphate,

1 part of epichlorohydrin, 94 parts of benzine (boiling range 160-190"), b) 2 parts of 0.0-dimethyl 0-(2-methoxy-Lmethoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphorothioate, 3 parts of 4,4-dichlorodiphenyl-trichloroethane 95 parts of kerosene.

These solutions are sprayed with pressure sprayers. The solution (a) is advantageously used for the control of aphids on fruit trees and other plants. The solution (b) is used in particular for the control offlies and mosquitoes in living quarters, warehouses and slaughterhouses.

Emulsifiable concentrate For the production of a 25% emulsifiable concentrate:

25 parts of 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2-ethoxy-2-ethoxycarbonylvinyl) phosphate,

5 parts of epoxidized vegetable oil,

5 parts of composite emulsifier (aIkylaryl-polyethylene glycol/calcium alkylarylsulphonate) parts of xylene are mixed together. This concentrate may be diluted with water to any desired concentration. Such concentrates are particularly suitable for the control of insects in granaries, warehouses and on cultivated plants.

We claim:

1. An insecticidal composition which comprises, as the insecticidally active ingredient an insecticidally effective amount of a compound of the formula wherein X represents oxygen or sulphur,

R and R each independently represents lower alkyl,

R represents hydrogen, lower alkoxycarbonyl or trifluoromethyl, and when R represents lower alkoxy, lower alkylthio or diloweralkylamino,

R represents lower alkoxy or when R represents lower alkylthio,

R represents di-lower-alkylamino in admixture with a dispersing agent.

2. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is 0,0-dimethyl -(2-methoxy-2- ethoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate.

3. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2-methoxy-2- isopropoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate.

4. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2-n-propoxy-2- methoxy-carbonyl-vinyl) phosphorothioate.

5. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2-n-propoxy-2-npropoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate.

6. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is 0,0-dimethyl O-( l-ethoxycarbonyl- 2-methoxy-2-methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate.

7. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is 0,0-diethyl O-(2-isopropylthio-2- N,N-dimethylcarbonyl-vinyl) phosphorothioate.

8. A method for controlling insects which comprises applying thereto an insecticidally effective amount of a compound of the formula wherein X represents oxygen or sulfur, R and R each independently represents lower alkyl,

R represents hydrogen, lower alkoxycarbonyl or trifluoromethyl and when R represents lower alkoxy, lower alkylthio or dilower-alkylamino R represents lower alkoxy, or when R represents lower alkylthio,

R represents a di-lower-alkylamino radical.

9. A method according to claim 8 in which the compound is 0,0dimethyl 0-(2-methoxy-2ethoxycarbonylvinyl) phosphate.

10. A method according to claim 8 in which the compound is 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2-methoxy-2isopropoxycarbonyl-vinyl phosphate.

11. A method according to claim 8 in which the compound is 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2-n-propoxy-2-methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphorothioate.

12. A method according to claim 8 in which the compound 0,0-dimethyl O-(2-n-propoxy-2-n-propoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate.

13. A method according to claim 8 in which the compound is 0,0-dimethyl 0-( l-ethoxycarb0nyl-2-methoxy- 2-methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate.

14. A method according to claim 8 in which the compound is 0,0-diethyl O-(2-isopropylthio-2-N,N- dimethylcarbonylvinyl) phosphorothioate. 

1. AN INSECTICIDAL COMPOSITION WHICH COMPRISES, AS THE INSECRTICIDALLY ACTIVE INGREADIENT AN INSECTICIDALLY EFFECTIVE AMOUNT OF A COMPOUND OF THE FORMULA
 2. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2-methoxy-2-ethoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate.
 3. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2-methoxy-2-isopropoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate.
 4. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2-n-propoxy-2-methoxy-carbonyl-vinyl) phosphorothioate.
 5. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2-n-propoxy-2-n-propoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate.
 6. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is 0,0-dimethyl 0-(1-ethoxycarbonyl-2-methoxy-2-methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate.
 7. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is 0,0-diethyl 0-(2-isopropylthio-2-N,N-dimethylcarbonyl-vinyl) phosphorothioate.
 8. A method for controlling insects which comprises applying thereto an insecticidally effective amount of a compound of the formula
 9. A method according to claim 8 in which the compound is 0, 0dimethyl 0-(2-methoxy-2ethoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate.
 10. A method according to claim 8 in which the compound is 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2-methoxy-2isopropoxycarbonyl-vinyl phosphate.
 11. A method according to claim 8 in which the compound is 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2-n-propoxy-2-methoxy-carbonyl-vinyl) phosphorothioate.
 12. A method according to claim 8 in which the compound 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2-n-propoxy-2-n-propoxycarbonyl-vInyl) phosphate.
 13. A method according to claim 8 in which the compound is 0,0-dimethyl 0-(1-ethoxycarbonyl-2-methoxy-2-methoxycarbonyl-vinyl) phosphate.
 14. A method according to claim 8 in which the compound is 0,0-diethyl 0-(2-isopropylthio-2-N,N-dimethylcarbonylvinyl) phosphorothioate. 